KILIHOLIDAYS TEAM LEADER
Tours by Locals (aka Kiliholidays)
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB, KINAPA, MNRT & TPO
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PT
Email Ricardo Conceição | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good but needs some improvements
We did with Kiliholidays a 6 days ascent to Kilimanjaro and a 4 days Safari. In total we were 3 people.
The ascent of Kilimanjaro to Kiliholidays actually sub-contracts to another company that does just that. Despite the friendliness of the main guides, we felt that they lacked a bit of sensitivity to communicate the difficulties of the climb, why we had to do certain things like drink plenty of water or go slowly. They need much more organization and professionalism.
On the third day one of us started having vomiting, headaches and the oxygen level was low and we ended up giving up on the climb.
Even though we only did 3 days instead of 6, we tipped 300 dollars and at that moment the friendliness of the guides ended, being offended. We know that their work is not easy, especially for those who carry the material, but we already paid enough for the climb and so the 300 dollar tip would be more than enough for even more having worked half the days.
This tipping situation shouldn't even exist, it seems like an obligation that later causes people to falsely like it.
After Kilimanjaro we asked Mack to book us a few more days in a hotel and everything went well, Mack was even kind enough to offer us a guided tour of the Mt Meru Waterfall which was very good.
On Safari we visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Ngorongoro Crater park, our guide God's Son was excellent, spoke very good English, had a lot of experience and knowledge of the animals and the whole region. He knew perfectly where the animals could be, he was super calm and sensitive enough to understand what tourists want.
The jeep, despite being old, not having the most modern comforts or panoramic windows, did not break down or have any problems, which turns out to be the most important thing. Anyway, if in the future they manage to have better cars, they will be able to provide a better experience.
Before booking the trip with this agency I exchanged several emails with Mack and he always gave quick answers, compared to others I only noticed that he could make suggestions based on our briefing. The payment method, fees, tips and documentation should have been clearer and simpler even though everything went well.
Email Jolanta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent choice - if you want bespoke safari, even with limited money
Mack crafted bespoke safari as we wanted and what is important within our budget. We got a car just for 2 of us and the best lodges which were possible for the money we had ( worth to know that there is no limit for luxary).
In addition to all Mack and our guide Andrew were very helpful with organising extra medical help we needed.
FR
Email Briand Cloe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect experience
We were lucky to be accompanied by two great guides (Thomas and Julius).
The accommodations were all of very good quality. The guide is attentive to your desires. We recommend !
(automatic translation from French)
ES
Email Juan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
We did 5 days tour & 4 nights. It was ok everything. Hotel in Arusha nice and the car was OK. Guide patient and friendly. We'll recommend you.
Email Anthony | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you to Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris for a wonderful experience.
Thank you to Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris for a wonderful experience. The manager, Mack, communicated with us well. He felt present and available so that despite being in a foreign country and moving from location to location I felt secure and at ease. Our tour guide Edward was personal, patient and experienced. He took time to speak to me and my family taking a genuine interest us. His experience as a tour guide stood out as he was able to answer our various questions about the wildlife, geography and culture of the people. We had our two lively boys with us and Edward was patient and understanding.
AE
Email Michala | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and experience for our family.
We travelled as a family of 4 with two young children and completed the ‘ 5 day memorable safari’. The program ran smoothly from start to end. The safari consultant Mack ensured that all our needs were accommodated and we were well looked after. We cannot thank him enough for that. Communication was clear from the onset and remained throughout the whole process. Our safari guide Edward was so welcoming, polite and patient. He was so knowledgeable about the animals and birds we encountered and was great at spotting them. We can certainly say it was a memorable experience for all the family and was value for money too! Thank you Kiliholidays.
CH
Email Serge Poracin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very professional, serious and helpful
I climbed Mt-Meru with my son and daughter. The guide and all the people who accompanied us (from Kiliholidays) were really very attentive, pleasant and professional. I highly recommend Kiliholidays
Serge, Philippe & Sophie
US
Email Michael Flaherty and Ellen Lenihan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator is locally run and is top quality, very professional, and highly recommended
We're a family of six, two adults, four children ranging in age from 9-16. We signed up for the tour, seeking the Safari experience but also keeping costs down, hence the camping (non-lodge) route that we took. Our friends who live in Dar found this operator, so surely Kili has a good reputation among local folks within the city, which obviously is a good indication..
Mack who runs it was very communicative with us and was there to greet us at Arusha. He then introduced us to Thomas who would be our guide, our driver - the heart and soul of the operation. He was amazing. Just so incredibly nice and authentic and experienced. He was clear to us on our agenda, timing. On the one morning when timing was flexible, we took our time getting out. On the others when we needed to get out early a jump on things, he was clear about that too. As a guide, he was fantastic - his ability to spot animals was admirable. He encouraged us to try and spot things before he would point animals out to us, also making sure we didn’t miss anything. It must be said, Thomas is also a fantastic driver - . And he drives a Land Rover, which seems to be the most reliable vehicle, more so than the Land Cruisers that we saw broken down on the way in and out of the Serengetti.
Daniel was our cook and set up man - and he too was excellent. We have a vegetarian and a picky eater (or two) and our kids ate really well . It helps to be clear on what you want - example, we didn't love Papaya and so if you just say that, he'll send out bananas or oranges instead. If you don't say anything, he doesn't have much to go on.
We camped at Migombani Campground after Tanginere, Nyambi for our Serengetti days, and Simba Camp A when we toured through Ngorongoro Crater. The Migombani campground is gorgeous with Nymabi being the least impressive and Simba A in the middle.
The first two campsites there were crews who helped Thomas and Daniel set up and breakdown camp. At the last campsite, there wasn’t a crew on hand to help so we set up one of the tents. And we were happy to do it - there were times when we offered to help and Thomas said, nope, we’re good. And on this occasion, we asked and said, yep, go for it.
Overall, we had a great experience with this KilliAdventuresoutfit and recommend them highly for adventurous families, experienced campers, outdoorsy people, or a combination of all three. One final anecdote. We had friends in Arusha who we wanted to visit before our flight to Dar from Kilimanjaro Airport. We thought we had a ride from Arusha to Killi airport from Arusha but it fell through. So Thomas and Daniel waited two hours in Arusha while we met and socialized with our friends, and eventually took us to the airport. “We started this trip together, we end together,” Thomas said.
NL
Email Lukasz Bochenski | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect company for safari
If you think about going on Safari in Tanzania, for sure you can choose Kiliholidays!
Advantages of this choice:
-Very experienced driver Thomas makes difference. He is able to spot animals fast and knows how to find them. He is very good at answering any questions. Super nice guy!
-Talented cook Daniel is taking good care of the food. Local Tanzanian food is amazing!
-The main man Mack is very helpful, always answers the questions and organizes the trip perfectly.
If I could go again for a safari, I would choose this company again!
ES
Email Francesc | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent organization
Excellent organization. I managed to join the tour as soon as I landed. They have everything well organized. In the safari we were 6 people and in the jeep you have plenty of space and you don't miss a single detail of the animals. The experience of sleeping in the middle of the park in a tent was wonderful. They take care of everything. You just have to relax and enjoy. Delicious food and quantity. The communication with Kiliholidays, more specifically with Mr. Mack, was very fast and good and I was able to organize everything in a few days. I will definitely repeat with them on a next trip. Thanks!